ABOUT THE THERAPIST

I qualified in 1986 and completed my Masters in Clinical Social Work in 2007. I was originally trained in Psychodynamic therapy but over the years I've deepened my practice through continuously learning my trade and at the same time, living life. My work now incorporates other modalities such as attachment theory; mindfulness; emotionally focused therapy, relational life therapy, neuroscience and embodiment principles. Big life events that posed enormous challenges both emotionally and health wise, informed the experience which I bring to my practice. I help you look afresh at what is hurting you and bring in practical and 'in-the-here-and-now' strategies to understand and combat these challenges, which may include working through old or recent traumas. I will also assist you in adjusting to new experiences, whether it be needing to leave a relationship/marriage, place of work, or career. Those kind of issues often underlie burn out or physical illnesses. 

I help each partner in a couple understand that your relationship difficulties are a call to understanding and healing yourself and draw you towards wholeness, focusing on growth rather than pathology. You can move beyond your polarised positions, get out of repetitive cycles, begin to understand each other's perspectives and focus on your relationship as a team effort. I work with empathy and listen acutely to what you have to say and what you are feeling, reflecting back to you what you are experiencing in a differently digested way. Often this alone is effective enough for you to 'hear' yourselves think and feel yourselves feel, in a way that brings insight and new awareness. Then practical measures are drawn on to integrate that awareness into your life. I believe that therapy is a partnership between client and therapist, or couple and therapist, and that together we bring about change and the breakthroughs required to live a new and healthier life. 

I also help couples consciously separate in the most resolving and conscious way, if this is a choice and decision that is reached either before or during the therapy. Help with transitioning to a new way of life both for you and your children, is also provided.